My mother, who was watching at the lattice, ran out to meet him.
Springing from his horse he embraced her, saying, 'Be of good cheer, sweet, it cannot be he.

This man has another name.' 'But did you see him ?' she asked.
'No, he was out at his ship for the night, and I hurried home to tell you, knowing your fears.' 'It were surer if you had seen him, husband.

He may well have taken another name.' 'I never thought of that, sweet,' my father answered; 'but have no fear.

Should it be he, and should he dare to set foot in the parish of Ditchingham, there are those who will know how to deal with him.

But I am sure that it is not he.' 'Thanks be to Jesu then!' she said, and they began talking in a low voice.
Now, seeing that I was not wanted, I took my cudgel and started down the bridle-path towards the common footbridge, when suddenly my mother called me back.
'Kiss me before you go, Thomas,' she said.